General Discussions => The Lab => Topic started by: mikefatom on October 07, 2010, 06:45:08 PM

So,... I've already talked to a few guys about this and since I'm almost there with the prototyping, I thought I would give everyone a peek preview of my new 500/51X project. However, to make it interesting, I will just post a (very bad :-[) 3D visualization shot of it and let you guys guess what it may be! ;).

PCBs and/or Kits may be available for this if there is enough interest... 8)

You guys are laughing at me don't you , ;-)I was just guessing this because of HZ1 HZ2 etc etc..

Well, if it makes you feel better, you were right about the Hi-Z plugins!

It's a 500/51X series recording DI box essentially. It's meant to be placed between a microphone and a preamp.It uses the Classic API and [silent:arts] Hi-Z plugin format. There are four 1/4" inputs for four Hi-Z plugins. The inputs have a priority system in place so that there can never be two active inputs at a time. The logic circuit also makes sure that the microphone signal gets fed right through to the preamp when no instruments are plugged in to the front panel.

There are also two switches:- The first one is a MIC input selector (DI defeat).- The second one is a DI output pad.

You guys are laughing at me don't you , ;-)I was just guessing this because of HZ1 HZ2 etc etc..

Well, if it makes you feel better, you were right about the Hi-Z plugins!

It's a 500/51X series recording DI box essentially. It's meant to be placed between a microphone and a preamp.It uses the Classic API and [silent:arts] Hi-Z plugin format. There are four 1/4" inputs for four Hi-Z plugins. The inputs have a priority system in place so that there can never be two active inputs at a time. The logic circuit also makes sure that the microphone signal gets fed right through to the preamp when no instruments are plugged in to the front panel.

There are also two switches:- The first one is a MIC input selector (DI defeat).- The second one is a DI output pad.

What do you guys think? :)

Oh and I forgot to mention that this project can take full advantage of the 24V rail available in a 51X rack. Each module can run off of 16V or 24V. 8)

Excellent Volker' !!And mike very good job !A multi DI is a very good project,But i think i would have prefered One input and switchable different audio path, so as you can plug your instrument and compare circuitsin order to choose the best, But it's also possible to unplug and replug ,Anyway, congrats on this new 51X baby !The family become bigeger and bigger !Regards,Francois

Excellent Volker' !!And mike very good job !A multi DI is a very good project,But i think i would have prefered One input and switchable different audio path, so as you can plug your instrument and compare circuitsin order to choose the best, But it's also possible to unplug and replug ,Anyway, congrats on this new 51X baby !The family become bigeger and bigger !Regards,Francois

Thanks Francois! I thought about this long and hard before settling down on this solution. I wanted something foolproof, easy to use, but also cheap and easy to assemble.The only solution that made sense was the four input setup. It makes it very clear that there are four options to choose from, one cannot activate more than one signal path at a time, there is no need for any expensive rotary switch (and the logic that goes with that), the number of relays is significantly reduced (cost) and it looks cooler with four 1/4" inputs at the front. ;D

Looks great mike! Will it spit out hi-z as well, our did you route it solely for input purposes? Haven't checked out the structure of the non-trafo DI's, but it should at least be possible with the Jensen and the Pikatron.

Looks great mike! Will it spit out hi-z as well, our did you route it solely for input purposes? Haven't checked out the structure of the non-trafo DI's, but it should at least be possible with the Jensen and the Pikatron.

It does not 'split' and spit out the Hi-Z signal coming in. There is simply not enough room on the front panel to do that.One could use a simple Y cable though for a hard wire split, the same way it's done in stand alone DIs.

One could use a simple Y cable though for a hard wire split, the same way it's done in stand alone DIs

in some situations you might need to use a isolation transformer inline with outgoing signal from the y-split cable - as there might be some ground loop current if this is going to a grounded amp for example... but i'm sure everyone knows that, no biggie.

One could use a simple Y cable though for a hard wire split, the same way it's done in stand alone DIs

in some situations you might need to use a isolation transformer inline with outgoing signal from the y-split cable - as there might be some ground loop current if this is going to a grounded amp for example... but i'm sure everyone knows that, no biggie.

looks like this'll be a cool unit mike!

Very valid point. For what it's worth, this cannot occur when using the passive TX based Hi-Z plugins in the HZ51X. The shield and signal connections of each input jack go directly (and only) to the negative and positive inputs of each Hi-Z plugin. Since the TX based Hi-Z plugins isolate the input from the output, ground loop will not occur, at least not from using the HZ51X!

Here is the SCHEMATIC (http://www.whistlerockaudio.com/HZ51X/HZ51Xv1_schem.pdf) for those interested.

Unfortunately, reamping is not the purpose of the HZ51X. This unit is meant to add HI-Z inputs to any mic pre you may already have. However, I believe Radial has a reamping module for the 500 series. May be worth looking into?

- The IC HI-Z plugin has WAY more output than the other ones. This makes sense considering the balanced output. - The FET Hi-Z plugin is shimmery and defined.- The Pikatron Hi-Z plugin is smooth... tames overly bright instruments.- The Jensen Hi-Z plugin sounds well balanced.... kinda between the Pikatron and the FET.

Thank you Volker and Jeff! This is really going to change the way I record DI'd instruments! 8) 8) ;D 8)

1- I finally got to look at a third sample of the metalwork (L-bracket) for this project and I'm happy to say that they got it right! I should have the metal in hand by mid January. :)

2- The v1.1 revision proto PCBs should be here tomorow. Nothing was changed to the circuit, just a few components moved around to give more breathing room. If all goes well (I don't foresee any problems at all), I will order up a small run of 30 boards.

3- I would like to offer kits for this project but I need to judge interest before I order the parts.

The face plate is up to you and I can provide a FPD file (same one I use) to get you going. There would not be any HI-Z plugin kits included. You can get them from Classic API of course.

What I can add to the kit given enough interest:

- FPE made face plates. These would add $35 to the kit (assuming 30 orders).- All 4 currently available HI-Z Plugin Kits from Classic API. They would add $58 to the kit.- Cinemag CM-DBXPC DI input transformer. They would be $52 each. I believe these sound as good as the Jensens.

If I can get enough interest by mid January, I will make it happen.This first round of orders is limited to 30 kits!

Please post your interest or questions/comments below.

UPDATE:I have created a Google Docs form to facilitate the order process. Please simply fill in this FORM (https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGhHMVk5eEJhdkQzTGVQVVlKdDIxZGc6MQ) to indicate your interest.

Bryan (Ptownkid) and Volker: I just realized that I did not acknowledge your kind words. Sorry about that and thanks! ;D Should I count you in?

UPDATE: I just got word from David @ Cinemag. The CM-DBXPC are going to be $52 each. That's $1 more than buying it straight from Cinemag (not including shipping either). The extra buck will allow me to cover shipping. Not making any money here... Just making things easier for everyone interested. I will update the feeler post asap.

How many DI options are available??I'll take 1 for sure.If theres more DI options i take 2.

Thanks.

Hello Jorge,

There are currently 4 HI-Z Plugins which means 4 options total for now.They are all available from Classic API.

That includes 2 passive Plugins:

HiZ-TX1 - Jensen JT-DB-EPC or Cinemag CM-DBXPC based. The kit from CAPI does not include the TX, hence my offer of adding it the HZ51X kit.HiZ-TX2 - Pikatron UP3096M based. The kit from CAPI comes with the TX, so we're good there.

The HZ51X can hold four Plugins at a time. The idea is that you'd pick your favorite four and stick 'em in there. If you have more than four favorites or would like to had the Hi-Z goodness to more than one mic pre, I guess you can buy a second HZ51X or as many as required ;).

I created this FORM (https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGhHMVk5eEJhdkQzTGVQVVlKdDIxZGc6MQ) to facilitate the order process.All you have to do is fill out some simple info and indicate your interest. Submitting the form will record your entry in a special Google Docs spreadsheet which I will keep track of.

The link to the form will also be in my signature to make it easier to find.

Ok, looks like shipping via Canada Post to Europe would be $32 by 'Air' and $14 by 'Surface'.Air shipping has an estimated delivery time of between 6 and 10 business days while Surface shipping is between 4 and 6 weeks.

Hmmm Us dollar right? And 13 seem to be ok but why between 4 and 6 weeks? Kind of long no?, sure about this, no offense tough, it's seems weird, and not insured nor trackable for surface? If yes in France it's 10 days all over the world for that kind of shipping, well you know better...

Hmmm Us dollar right? And 13 seem to be ok but why between 4 and 6 weeks? Kind of long no?, sure about this, no offense tough, it's seems weird, and not insured nor trackable for surface? If yes in France it's 10 days all over the world for that kind of shipping, well you know better...

I understand your concern but I am strictly quoting you what Canada Post is giving me. I think they probably play it safe by giving a 4 to 6 week estimate.

With Air or Surface, the package would be insured up to $100CAD. I will personally cover the remaining amount should anything happen.

Also, since the US and CAN dollar are pretty much on par right now, you can pay in whatever currency works best for you. ;)

Don't need to bother, like i said you know better, no prob, allright now i know what's shipping cost...I think we still have time to pay, well i hope, i need a little time, not much tough...Thanks and Happy New Year!

It's a few pages long now butdo the inputs mix together ?with the pad , can they take a line level input ?i thinking it may save me mixing gtr mic pres togetherfor one trackAnyway hope this does well for you and thanks for the offering regards Greg

It's a few pages long now butdo the inputs mix together ?with the pad , can they take a line level input ?i thinking it may save me mixing gtr mic pres togetherfor one trackAnyway hope this does well for you and thanks for the offering regards Greg

Thanks Greg!

The input signals don't get mixed. This is actually by design.The pad is after the hi-z plugins but the plugins should be able to handle an unbalanced line level signal.

Alright boys... Invoices have been paid up! Thanks to everyone!I am now getting the money transfered over from my PP account before I order bigger ticket items like the Cinemag TXs and the face plates. I have most components ordered as well and will be ordering the production PCBs by the end of the week. :)

Just found this thread today and filled out the "interested" form. Am I too late?

I did order at least 1 extra of everything except the face plates.If you're set on getting the face plate from me, I can spare the one I have on my proto if you want it.Otherwise, I will be posting the FPD file for those that want to design and order their own from FPE.